[Auroara Bobcat]

<p>Hello, everyone. I am wondering if there are any La Leche League Leaders here. I have just started the process of becoming one myself. I am very excited to start along the path. I wonder if there are any leaders here that can answer a few questions of mine or offer any input you may have. Are you happy with the choice you have made to become a leader? What was the process like? What are the tasks and responsibilities you have as a leader? Thanks in advance!</p>

 

[mamagranola28]

<p>I stopped leading meetings/taking calls in early 2010 but I've really loved being a leader.  I hope after I move I'll get back into a group.  The leader who is helping you become accredited should answer all of the questions you have about the details of your application but I'd love to answer any questions you have.</p>
<p>Leah</p>

 

[Auroara Bobcat]

<p>Regarding the process, what did you think about it? What were some of the things you found to be challenging (if anything.) Do you feel that the application process prepared your for leadership. I also asked what were some of the tasks and responsibilities that you take on as a leader. I am really just looking for input or advice on the whole thing.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I ask these questions because I am applying as an isolated member, so most of my contact has been via the telephone and letters.</p>
<p>Thanks. </p>

 

[doulawoman]

<p>also just starting the process and also interested in what others have to say/share!</p>

 

[MidwifeErika]

<p>I was a LLL leader for about 4-5 years. I retired once I moved here, mostly because the paperwork felt overwhelming <span><img alt="blush.gif" src="http://files.mothering.com/images/smilies/blush.gif"></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span>The responsibilities vary a great deal based on how many other leaders there are, how many moms in a group you have who want to pull some of the load, etc. If you are the only leader for a group you will have to be responsible for the treasury, there are monthly activity reports for how many calls you do and how many women come to the group, you will have to hold the library (at least until a mom volunteers to help, organize meetings, lead meetings, etc. It is fun </span></p>

 

[Auroara Bobcat]

<p>Thanks Erika for the insight and the practical overview of leader responsibilites.</p>

 

[Peony]

<p>I've been a lone leader for 6 years, I adore leading but it isn't easy doing it by myself. There are the phone calls, which I get a fair number of. The meetings, preparing for them. advertising, keeping track of library books, you file taxes each year which is simple. I hold a fundraiser every year to two years to get enough money to pay all my fees, I just can't get many moms to buy memberships in this area so the money has to come from somewhere. I do everything by myself, I have had moms interested in assisting/leading possibly but their interest always waned. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Yes, during this process you will learn all about how to manage a group. I have no regrets, I am still doing it but it can be quite time consuming being a lone leader with minimal group support. And while I really wish I had more help, I am not going to stop leading, I just have my duties pared down to what must be done. </p>

 

[Auroara Bobcat]

<p>Thank you for your post. I did not know I would have to be filing taxes.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>A couple of questions. Do you have to build up the library for the local group and do you get to choose the book that go in it? Or does LLL offer assistance with building the library.</p>
<p>Also, what are the dues that a leader as to pay?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Thanks again!</p>
<p> </p>

 

[Peony]

<p>The taxes for the non-profit are very simple and they walk you through the process. Library books must be LLL approved, there are lists of books that are, you can choose any ones that are approved. The group/leader supply the books, I pay for mine out of my fundraiser money. Dues vary on your area now so you will check with the person you are working with. </p>

 

[courtenay_e]

<p>It is typically included in the application fee, but it sounds as if you would really benefit from reading the Leader's Handbook.  It outlines a lot of what you are looking for, and is fairly user friendly.  You can get it from Amazon, and then if you haven't applied yet, when you apply, you pay less with your application cause they don't need to send you the book.  You may pay a few bucks more from Amazon than from LLL, but meh.  If in the end it answers what you're looking for, in an organzed manner, that is worth a few bucks to me!  You might also, once you are an LA, get onto the EUS website, which has some nice Leader resources.  They'll give you that info (I guess if you're a member of EUS, but I don't see why somebody couldn't give you passwords for the LA's for the EUS site if you're in WUS) once you apply.</p>

 

[First Time Mama]

<p> I am just starting the process of becoming a LLL leader too, after more than a year of expressing interest to my local group. I wish I could have started a while ago, because I am now due in a few weeks with my second child, and I think it will take me longer to complete everything with a toddler and a baby. But anyway, still planning to eventually finish and become a LLL leader, hopefully before we move again in the summer.</p>

 

[courtenay_e]

<p>There is plenty of reading and writing that you can do while snuggled up nursing an itty bitty, and the rest of it typically takes place on line.  Unfortunately as a Leader, we cannot just jump up and decide to work with every women the moment they express interest.  As you will learn as you work through the application, there are requirements that we must see a mother meet before we are allowed to invite her to be a Leader.  But it is not a difficult journey if you have met those requirements, and you can go as quickly or as slowly as you need/want to through the application, as long as you are put with an ACLA who can accomodate you.  And I have found that if you request an ACLA who is able to work with you at your rate, you typically can be placed with one.</p>

 

[First Time Mama]

<p> I understand that LLL Leauge leaders have a lot going on and can't always jump to accomidate interest, but I had fulfilled the requirements to get started and was attending meetings regularly for a year, and kept repeatedly expressing interest before someone took me on.  It's fine, I think my local group was going through some changes with leaders at the time, and I am glad I got started, I just would have had a lot more time with just 1 child. I am still planning on doing what I can and I am having a good experience with the leader assisting me and my LAD.</p>

 

[MountainMamaGC]

<p>I am a lone leader in an isolated community. I did an isolated applicancy. It took me about 18 months. I have just started and I have a lot of support from other leaders in this province. You can buy books with money your group raises selling memberships. You can even do fund raising for your group. So far my meetings have been very small, but I like it that way, because it gives me good practice. I really enjoy it so far and I feel like I made a good decision to do this.</p>